Heart of Midlothian 1 - 1 Aberdeen

LOOK out for fireworks at Pittodrie on Saturday! Rangers’ hopes of reaching the last eight in the League Cup competition rest on the result of this game.
The Dons hold the key, and after their improved display at Tynecastle last night when they drew 1-1 with Hearts are liable to lock the door on the Light Blues.
Rangers were none too impressive in the first game against Aberdeen at Ibrox.
The Dons showed clear signs of developing into a team against Hearts. They were speedier and more mobile than they had been in the four previous games and thoroughly earned their draw.

Thomson C.-in-C.

The team took the field at Tynecastle with their sleeves rolled up. They played with spirit and determination. There were flashes of combined play attack but major honours for last night’s draw go to the defence.
With Thomson in the role of commander - in - chief, the Tynecastle attackers found the way to Martin guarded with skill and determination.
The Dons’ centre-half, who was again the outstanding personality, was ably assisted by Mitchell and Smith. It was decidedly Aberdeen’s best defensive display of the season so far.
The right back appeared to find his real form in this game and tackled and kicked strongly.
Hearts took a gamble by playing Adie on the right wing and it showed no profit against Smith. The former Aberdeen junior’s display corroborated that full back is his best position.

Promise of Rodger

Anderson worked hard and forced the play in the first half when the swirling wind seemed to assist Aberdeen, and he defended tenaciously after the interval. Harris, at left half, had a poor game.
Measured on his form against Hearts last night, lan Rodger seems to have a bright future as an inside right. Rodger had two magnificent tries—one in each half—and each was worth a goal.
Jack Dunbar created a good impression in his first "A" Division match. He was keen as they make 'em. The lanky former Kilbirnie Ladeside leader was perhaps a bit slow on the turn, but he revealed some neat touches, and altogether made a most promising debut. He kept Milne, the Tynecastle centrehalf, fully employed.
Representatives of two English clubs were quite impressed with Dunbar's display when they learned it was his first team debut.
Dunbar, who is only twenty-three years of age, confessed to me after the game that he felt a bit strange at the start, but gained in confidence as the game progressed.
Baird and Boyd were subdued against Dougan and McKenzie respectively, but Hather was a lively left wing raider in the first half, and his goal was a good 'un.

Hather’s Goal

Eight minutes after the start, Anderson made ground on the right, and when he swung the ball into the middle, Dunbar headed it on to Hather, who was "poaching" in the centre. The left winger went hurtling through the middle at top speed to whip the ball into the net with his right foot.
It was a minute after the interval when Hearts claimed the equaliser. It was a good goal. When Wardhaugh placed the ball up the middle, Bauld veered to the right to avoid a tackle by Thomson. The Hearts' leader hit the ball on the run. and Martin was beaten when it dipped suddenly and unexpectedly.

Source: Evening Express, 28th August 1952